Patriots Receiver Generating Trade Interest As A.J. Rumors Heat Up originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots have been rumored to have interest in A.J. Brown all offseason, but a new development could lead to a major change on their roster.
According to Adam Schefter on Monday, Brown being traded to the Patriots is now seen as "likely," and the Philadelphia Eagles plan to move him after June 1. The Patriots have already invested big at the wide receiver position by signing Romeo Doubs. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Patriots could deal Kayshon Boutte if they get Brown.
"A name that has come up in trade talks is Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte, who is entering the final year of his contract, according to multiple league sources," Schultz wrote on Monday. "With Romeo Doubs coming in and the eventual AJ Brown trade, teams believe he could be available for the right price."
The Patriots don't need to trade Boutte. Even if they add Brown, they should have no trouble accommodating Boutte in the offense and finding him an impactful role. However, they would struggle to retain him.
Boutte will be a free agent, and adding Brown would also mean adding his contract. They already committed four years to Doubs, and paying three receivers big-time money would not be wise. Especially considering the Patriots still have extensions for Drake Maye and Christian Gonzalez looming.
More NFL: Adam Schefter Reports Patriots 'Likely' To Land A.J. Brown In Major Trade Update